Rolex DD vs Patek Philippe

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by cosmonaut

Don't me for this, but...... I can't stand Patek watches!

I think they look cheap and awful. Of course they're not cheap, but the styling makes them look cheap to me. I seriously can't undertsand why anybody under the age of 70 buys them

I wanted your opinion and thanks. Today when I went to Publix to buy tonights dinner I got the senior citizens discount. Maybe the DD will take a decade or two off my looks.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Nice PP. While I personally prefer the 5127, which is a little bigger, that one is very nice and a beauty!

Ditto here. I'd get the 5127, because it's a lifetime keeper, IMO. The last time I put a Patek on my wrist, my wife shook her head at its beauty and asked, "Is that legal?"

What's the gold hand on the main dial for?

The timezone is a beauty, but I'd prefer to get two watches: a TT Datejust, to capture a similar look to the DD, and a dress watch: PP 5127, a Vacheron Patrimony Grande Taille, or a Richard Lange/Lange 1.

[moby33]

Blunt you say, OK. IMO that example of DD is hideous (tell your wife she's got a great eye) and that PP is also ugly mainly due to the case (I'll never think that flower edge is good looking).

Now BigHat has the right idea w/ his examples of the Lange & VC...both of those watches are to die for IMO!!!

If you're going to go w/ PP, I think there a ton of better examples to chose from...but that's just me. Sorry if our tastes are way off...I just would never dish out that kind of $ for the PP you posted.

Good luck w/ your decision either way.

[cosmonaut]

I'm not saying they're not fine watches, obviously they're probably the best watches in the world... I just wish they would make some models that at least look like they're from the 20th centuary, let alone the 21st !!!!

I'd still think they looked crap even if they cost peanuts, I just don't get why people rave on about them maybe it's the fact they cost so much makes people think they're really good looking watches, bit like the emperors new clothes

[moby33]

Originally Posted by cosmonaut

I'm not saying they're not fine watches, obviously they're probably the best watches in the world... I just wish they would make some models that at least look like they're from the 20th centuary, let alone the 21st !!!!

I'd still think they looked crap even if they cost peanuts, I just don't get why people rave on about them maybe it's the fact they cost so much makes people think they're really good looking watches, bit like the emperors new clothes

Couldn't agree more...right on!!! (well, at least that's what I always thought)

[boa2]

Originally Posted by cosmonaut

I'm not saying they're not fine watches, obviously they're probably the best watches in the world... I just wish they would make some models that at least look like they're from the 20th centuary, let alone the 21st !!!!

I guess I'm happy living in the past.

[cosmonaut]

[Perdu]

Personally, I don't like that particular PP. Get what you want, not what your wife wants for you.

[applebook]

This decision depends a lot on what you plan on wearing the watch for. If you have a casual, office job, then then the PP is a great choice. However, if you're more active and plan on wearing the watch for golfing, then the Rolex is a wiser choice.

[nhdblfan]

Redshirt,
thank you for the compliment on my DD,Otto's, like all of his collection,which is outstanding, is very nice as well (I really like his white dial and Steves diamond dial DD-would be crazyy to own three) I hope thr expamples,along with maybe some others,are able to put the DD 118238's back in the front row .You really have to go try one on before you pull the trigger on anything.
You asked for opinions with no holding back and responded to the opinions like a champ
Whatever you chose, emphasis on "you chose",you will wear it well and be happy.Great thread and looking forward to seeing your new watch whatever it turns out to be
Best,
Dave

[redshirt1957]

Thanks for your personal opinions. That is exactly what I wanted. Many times I have given the advice "just buy what you like" to others. Sound advice. In this case I am not sure just what I like and I do not want to make an expensive mistake. One could ask why would I even give a rats turd what others think; he just need to make up his own mind. Well, in this case I am using sage advice that is; when in doubt ask and listen. I have heard and I know my decision. You guys pointed out specifics of each watch that I just have not noticed. Thanks. Off to make a purchase tomorrow.

[Lol-x]

You know this is a Rolex forum so my advice is going to have that kind of slant.

The Bark DD with timber dial is not to my personal tastes at all, and so I think that was a very poor example of the DD to show your wife in seeking her advice.

There are some versions of the DD that look spectacular.

A DD isn't just a dress watch either, it has a utilitarian flare to be worn on any occasion and it has the oyster case to give you a level of water resistance comfort.

The Patek is a great watch, the leather straps are different than the Rolex metal bracelets. Up to you which you prefer, but the Rolex metal bracelet looks great and wears really well.

Go to the shop with the Patek in one hand and the DD in the other and ask yourself which one feels more worthy, I bet you will pick the DD.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

You know this is a Rolex forum so my advice is going to have that kind of slant.

The Bark DD with timber dial is not to my personal tastes at all, and so I think that was a very poor example of the DD to show your wife in seeking her advice.

There are some versions of the DD that look spectacular.

A DD isn't just a dress watch either, it has a utilitarian flare to be worn on any occasion and it has the oyster case to give you a level of water resistance comfort.

The Patek is a great watch, the leather straps are different than the Rolex metal bracelets. Up to you which you prefer, but the Rolex metal bracelet looks great and wears really well.

Go to the shop with the Patek in one hand and the DD in the other and ask yourself which one feels more worthy, I bet you will pick the DD.

Perfect response. Thanks to all.

[Letsgodiving]

That particular Patek looks a little feminine to me.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Perfect response. Thanks to all.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your chosen piece!

[jimand7]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Bubba,

You want "blunt"....I'll give you "blunt". Forget the PP.....go to the Opera and clap too loud and fast, the watch will stop!! Seriously!! It happened with a guy in London and he told us about it on another forum. Cost him thousands in the Queen's currency to set the watch right again!!

Wanna real DRESS watch, then wait for this 41 mm beauty!!!

+1

[teton]

fragility is a problem with all complications. Try changing the time of your Rolex near midnight a few times. How about rapidly starting and stop the chronograph on your Daytona and see what happens? Will the chronograph hands line up anymore? Even the rotating bezels on the subs. If you rotate them one too many times the rachet will no longer click.

The most reliable watch would be somethiing that has just 3 hands, and no moving bezels.

-Teton

[Triple Black 88]

Redshirt, the Patek looks a little frail and I've never been fond of the leather strap. I'm suprised you are comparing these 2 watches because they wear totally different. The Patek is very thin and more subtle. The DD is much more hefty so it depends on your style. The DD comes in many different styles...WG/YG/Plat and tons of different dials, bezels, etc...
It sounds like you've made a decision...can't wait to see the pics.
Here is mine. YG w/Light Champaign Diamond Dial.

[JohnEaton]

I want this one... maybe after the GV and the DSSD



I know it's plain, but I really like this one, in Rose, it's a 5196R.

[GMTJOHNNY]

I have the DD YG 18238 and it is a my Grail watch for sure. I am in the market for the PP 5127R since that does look elegant and certainly worthy of passing down.
But the SIZE of the Rolex makes me want to hold it in my hand and use it as a "tool" to smash the out of the pathetic petite Patek! I just need something SOLID on my wrist!

[jac67]

Tough choice.

Both are outstanding time-pieces, stylish, accurate and meticulously manufactured.

Go and try them both, and your question WILL be answered.


John.

[GMT8]

Best of luck, Bubba. I was recently in a similar situation with my wife. We went into the AD with an expectation (at least on my part) of picking out a DD, when the next thing I know I'm being dragged by my wife and the salesman to the Patek display. While I didn't like all of their watches, some were certainly tempting. Unfortunately (for my wife, that is), the only one I would have considered seriously (i.e., had the remotest chance of being able to afford) was a manual wind--and I greatly prefer the automatics. So a DD it will be, finances permitting. Ultimately, as others have said, it's to be your watch, but you can't completely ignore the WF (wife factor). Can't wait to see what you end up with. Mike

[Trurolexer]

I'm a FANATIC kinda Guy. Just interesting with Rolex and no other brand.
But this time, to be honest I must netral to decide between 'em...Well...still DD the WINNAH. lol!!! CHOOSE DD!!!

[Jedi]

Bubba, the PP model you show in your original post has a knurled bezel. I think that reference is discontinued. The current reference with a similar function can be found at this link. It's known as a 5134.

It won't fall apart when you clap your hands like some like to say, but it certainly isn't as tough as a Rolex, but then again, it wasn't built to be. The 5134 is indeed a dual timezone watch, but it's a manual wind. No biggie to me, as it just gives one an excuse to interact with the timepiece more often. It will keep excellent time. About +/-2 a day, without a COSC certificate.

It's not a DD, but it will keep it's value better.

[TempoKing]

Actually I will be selling mine, A super collectible 3588 automatic Calatrava for about 9k
Retail 38k

[redshirt1957]

Everybody, very honest and to the point comments. Just what I needed. Went to Capetown today and tried both on and ended up buying two. Neither one was a DD or PP. Will post pictures soon. One was a S model (1994 without a date) and the other was a Z and has deen discontinued. Without the sound advice I would have made a mistake and....THANKS TRF! This shall teach the wife to go out of town and leave me with three kids.

[nhdblfan]

Your wifes out of town and you went and bought two Rolex's?
Man I hoped you used her credit card if so your my new hero !

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by nhdblfan

Your wifes out of town and you went and bought two Rolex's?
Man I hoped you used her credit card if so your my new hero !

Lets see how much see really loves me.

[Markg]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

. Neither one was a DD or PP. Will post pictures soon.

what did you get???

[East Bay Rider]

Looking forward to learning the rest of this story.
Pics please.